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Posts Tagged ‘Midsection’

Using Resistance Bands in Abdominal Exercises

November 25th, 2009

Using resistance bands can be an effective component of any workout routine, and abdominal exercises are no exception. There are a number of exercises targeting the midsection that incorporate resistance bands. Resistance bands come in a variety of difficulties, usually indicated by the color of the band itself (e.g., green can be little resistance, yellow may be medium, red for difficult, etc.). Choose a resistance level that is appropriate for you, then move up as necessary. Do not overdo it by immediately grabbing the most advanced band you can find, as this can lead to injury. As with any workout routine, be sure to consult a professional before beginning and always warm up properly to avoid injury.

Seated Crunch

This exercise provides the same benefits as the basic abdominal crunch, but with less neck strain and without the possible discomfort that comes with lying on the floor, since it uses a band rather than gravity to provide resistance. For this abdominal exercise, you will need to be sitting in a straight back chair which you can somehow loop your band through. Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor and about as wide apart as your hips. Contract your abdominal muscles, and slowly bend forward to about a forty-five degree angle. Repeat for an entire set. Be sure to keep your feet on the floor and your back as straight as possible.

One-Arm Band Pull

Put the chair away and stand up, again with feet hip width apart. Put your hands above your head, holding the band about eighteen inches apart. Keeping your left hand overhead, bring your right hand out to the side, elbow bent at about a ninety degree angle. Hold your left arm still as you contract your abdominals and lower your right arm until your hand is in line with your chest. Hold this position, then slowly return. Repeat for an entire set, then switch hands. Keep your back straight and avoid bending or leaning at the waist. For an additional challenge, do this exercise standing on one foot. Perform the exercise with both hands while standing on your left foot, then do it all again on your right foot.

Twisting Roll-Back

For this abdominal exercise, you will need to sit on a flat surface, preferably the floor. Use a mat or towel for cushioning to ease possible strain on your tail bone. Sit down with your legs bent and heels on the floor. Your toes should be pointing up– do not put your feet flat on the floor. Loop the band around your feet, put one end in each hand and put your hands together. In a rolling motion, lower your torso toward the floor about forty-five degrees. As you do this, twist to the right and spread your hands to the sides. Hold for a second, then rotate back to the middle and raise your torso back to start. Your heels should remain on the floor throughout the exercise. Do a full set, then switch to the left side.

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What are Some Workouts That Really Work Your Abs- Top Workouts

November 24th, 2009

Trying to figure out some workouts that really work your abs can be frustrating and difficult.  Especially when you aren’t sure which exercises you should do.  It’ll have you wondering, “What are some workouts that really work your abs”.So, what I’m going to do is share with you some workouts that will really hit your midsection.  That way, you’ll be able to have some great abs.The workouts are:1.  The first thing you should do is exercises like hanging leg raises, knee raises, and reverse crunches.  These particular exercises will work your lower abs.  It’s a great way to make sure you abdominal muscles look great all over.  You should 3 sets of 15 reps with the exercises.2.  Another workout that really work your abs are full crunches, cable crunches, and incline situps.  These exercises will work the upper abs.  You should do 2 sets of 20 with these exercises.  You can lower the reps and use weights if you want to.3.  Another workout that you can do is to do cardio.  I know this isn’t an ab workout, however it will help work your abdominal muscles and help burn your belly fat.  Which is great for exposing the abs you’re working on.  The cardio work that you can do includes jogging, swimming, and taking a fitness/aerobics class.These are some workouts that really work your abs.  If you really want a great midsection, be sure to include the exercises above into your workout routine.  Now that you have the answer to your question, “what are some workouts that really work your abs”, go out and get yourself a nice looking midsection.

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Abdominal Fat Reduction Is All About Boosting Metabolism

November 21st, 2009

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To say that abdominal fat reduction is something that the vast majority of people think and obsess about would be a very true statement. A slim and toned stomach is the ultimate definition of a healthy and fit body in today’s modern world. This leads many people to try just about anything when it comes to reducing that spare tire around their midsection. In the end they end up spending lots of money on the latest fat reducing craze but have little to show for it.Simply boosting ones metabolism is the first step to any successful weight loss program. This can be done quite easily and doesn’t require the newest ab exercise machine, latest fad diet, or fat burning wonder pill. In fact by following two simple ideas nearly everyone can not only reduce abdominal fat but they can keep it off for good.The first step to increasing your metabolism and reducing that spare tire is by eating a healthy diet. The rate at which your metabolism runs is highly dependent on the nutritional value of the food you eat. Unfortunately this can be one of the most misunderstood parts of any weight reduction routine.For most people a diet involves cutting back on the amount of food they eat. This of course causes a decrease in calories eaten. It only makes sense that eating fewer calories will lead to a weight loss because too many calories are what cause weight gain in the first place. But there is a problem with thinking this way and that is the human body needs a certain amount of calories to function properly. If you cut to many calories your metabolism will actually slow down and your calorie cutting will have the opposite effect of what you are trying to accomplish, namely weight loss.By eating nutrient dense foods you can more positively impact your body’s metabolism and fat burning abilities then if you simply cut calories. The reason for this is simple; not only is eating healthy foods good for you but they also cause the body to expend more energy digesting and metabolizing them at the cellular level. This is in direct contrast to the processed and refined foods most people eat today which are quickly digested and easily turned into fat.The second important part of any metabolism boosting program is exercise. There are two sides to the exercise equation; aerobic and resistance training.Aerobic or cardio training burns excess calories simply through the fact that any increase in activity requires more calories to fuel that activity. Walking, jogging, biking, swimming, and even yard work are considered aerobic activity. These types of exercises are not necessarily stomach specific but they help to reduce overall body fat stores.The more important aspect of any exercise program is some form of resistance or weight training. While aerobic exercise will burn excess calories during the workout, weight lifting will not only burn calories during the workout but post workout as well. The more lean muscle you have the more calories you will burn during the course of a day.Abdominal fat reduction is all about boosting your metabolism. Achieving this goal with a healthy diet and exercise program is easy if you have the patience to stick with it. The best part is that if you successfully incorporate this type of lifestyle change into your life you will never have to worry about being overweight again.

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3 Simple Free Workout Routines To Get Ripped Abs Without Even Doing 100 Abdominal Exercises

November 14th, 2009

We all have the potential to create a ripped midsection but until the layer of fat covering your gut is reduced your abs simply won’t be visible.
So how do you get rid of this layer of fat to expose the amazing abs beneath? Do you need to do 100 abdominal exercises to get it?
Simply put you need to be burning more calories than you consume through a balanced fitness program including weight training and cardiovascular exercising (running, jogging, cycling etc.). Just doing 100 abdominal exercises will not be having much effect as combined with these.
Here we will mention some good exercises that are effective, safe, and can be done almost anywhere. Remember, persistence is the key. Your abs need to be exercised every single day to give you visible results.
Almost any expert can give you a 100 abdominal exercises. Here we mention a couple of easy-to-do, great exercises for flat abs and they are 3 simple free workout routines to get a ripped abs without even doing 100 abdominal exercises every day.
1. Bent Knee Sit-up
Sit down on a sit-up board and hook your feet under the strap. With your knees bent to about 45 degrees put your hands behind your head and your chin on your chest (this will put a slight bow in your back).
From this position, inhale and lie back until your lower back touches the board. Exhale as you raise back up to the starting position.
2. Alternating Twisting Sit-Up
Sit down on a sit-up board and hook your feet under the strap. With your knees slightly bent, put your hands behind your head and your chin on your chest.
Twist your upper body to the right. Retaining this position, inhale and lower your torso down until your lower back touches the board. Return to the starting position and exhale.
Now twist your upper body to the left and repeat the same movement. A movement to the right and left is considered one repetition.
3. Tummy Isometric Crunch
First exhale, and then suck in your tummy as much as you can. Hold this position for fifteen seconds. Then relax and breathe normally.
Visualize moving your bellybutton straight toward your back. Holding in your tummy muscles and tensing your abs is a good way of firming and strengthening them. You will also become more aware of how to control your tummy muscles. Repeat several times. This exercise can be done anywhere, anytime. However, if you have high blood pressure, do not hold your breath for extended periods of time.
You can do these 100 abdominal exercises till the cows come home but they must be part of a good overall workout routine…including cardio work and proper nutrition to lower your body fat percentage.
Also never take for granted the numerous benefits that proper amounts of sleep can give to you. Aside from always feeling refreshed in the morning, you’ll have more energy and motivation to continuing doing these ads exercises to achieve your ripped midsection.
If you have a large layer of body fat covering your abdominals, even the best ab exercise including doing 100 abdominal exercises is not the solution. It is only once this fat layer has been considerably reduced that it is the time to work your way through the best ab exercise list.

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How to Get Abs: 3 Key Factors for Six Pack Abs in No Time

November 9th, 2009

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If you are workout at the gym regularly you will know that one of the hardest muscles to build is your abs as fat around the abdominal area is particularly stubborn and hard to get rid of. This is even harder if you are overweight or have excess fat around your abdominal area. Obtaining solid ripped abs is always the main goal for every person who frequents the gym regularly. As with any tasks or goal, you need to have determination for you to succeed in getting those six pack abs. Without determination and a solid plan, you have already failed before you have even started.How to get abs? That is the most popular question every person wants to know. Well, the answer is actually very simple. There are 3 key areas that you need to focus on and they are: -1) Cardiovascular workouts2) Nutrition3) Abdominal weight trainingIf you are determined and follow these 3 golden rules, you will definitely see your abs. Along the way you are bound to feel that your hard work is not paying off. Keep at it and be persistent as your body needs time to adjust to your new routine and diet. A good indication that your hard work is paying off is when you feel a bit of strain around your abdominal area. You abdominal muscles feel tighter and firmer. Once you shed the fat around that area, you will be able to see your abdominal muscles.Key Area #1 – Cardiovascular WorkoutsGenerally, everyone has muscles around their abdominal area because if we did not, we would not be able to stand or walk as the abdominal muscles are closely related to our back muscles. The only reason why we cannot see them is because they are covered in a layer of fat. The best and most effective way to get rid of fat around your midsection is through cardiovascular workout sessions.Do not think that you can just do a particular exercise routine that focuses on your abdominal area to reduce fat around that area. Exercises like crunches and sit-ups are good only after you have shed the fat through a proper cardio workout. Make sure your cardio sessions include a mixture of high intensity and low intensity phases as you will burn more calories this way. A good example would be to run as fast as you can for 1 minute followed by a slow jog for 2 minutes then repeat the cycle for 20 to 30 minutes.You should incorporate 3 – 4 cardio workout sessions per week in your routine. Among the recommended cardio workouts are running, jogging, biking, the elliptical, aerobics and swimming. However, research has shown that running and jogging burns the most number of calories as it is intense and efficient. If you find running or the road or tarmac hurts your joints, try running on a dirt path or a treadmill. It is much easier on the knees and has less impact.Again, you MUST do a minimum of 3 to 4 cardiovascular workouts per week for a duration of at least 20 minutes if you want to shed fat around your abdominal area in the shortest amount of time. Do not forget to incorporate high and low intensity paces as well in your cardio sessions.Key Area #2 – NutritionAlthough it is common to feel hungry after an intensive workout at the gym, that does not give you the privilege to eat anything and everything that you desire. To shed fat effectively, you need to watch your diet and incorporate a proper cardio workout in your routine. The goal is to burn more calories that you consume each day so as to create a calorie deficit in your body. If you consume more calories than you burn, you are adding fat to your body and you will NEVER see those abs no matter how hard you train.Nutrition plays a very important factor as with proper nutrition you are able to reduce your calorie intake and hence your cardio workouts will be more effective. Instead of eating 3 square meals a day, eat five to six small but nutritious meals spaced apart about every three to four hours. That way, you will not have hunger pangs and desire to snack. If you really have to snack, go for something light like fruits or salad. These snacks are nutritious and have high fiber content.

Do not think that by skipping meals, you will lose weight faster. In fact, it is the opposite. When you skip a meal your body slows down its metabolism rate and instead burns fat less effectively as it is trying to conserve energy. Also, when you are too hungry you tend to snack and eat whatever you can get your hands on. You do not think of nutrition but rather how to recover from your hunger pangs. A good general breakdown when it comes to nutrition is to think of a pyramid whereby protein is at the base level followed by carbohydrates and finally fats. Hence your diet should consist of 50% protein, 40% carbohydrates and 10% fats. Our muscles are typically made from tightly-wound protein molecules. When we workout, our muscles will get damaged and when they recover they become stronger and bigger. That is why; you need to keep your protein intake high to help with the recovery of your muscle tissues.Most people who go on diet tend to shun away from carbohydrates but the fact is, carbs play a vital role in the body which is to provide energy needed during workouts. If you do not have this source of energy, you will lethargic and weak during your workout sessions. However, do not overload yourself with carbohydrates as they are converted to sugar it not used. Keep away from soft drinks and simple sugars like honey, cane sugar, syrups and also a lot of fruit.Water is also very important and you should drink at least a gallon of water each day. As our bodies are 80% fluid, water helps in nutrient absorption and digestion. It also aids in flushing out harmful toxins from your body. After working out, make sure you replenish your fluids by drinking lots of water or isotonic drinks. Click Here For LinksThe key to getting your six pack abs to show is by getting rid of the fat around your abdominal area. The most effective way to do this is by making sure you supply your body with the proper nutrition every 3 to 4 hours and to have a proper cardio workout session 3 to 4 times a week. Create a calorie deficit to increase the metabolism rate in your body and you are on your way to seeing that six pack of abs you have always dreamt of.Key Area #3 – Abdominal Weight TrainingPeople often have this mentality that when it comes to abdominal workouts, they do not need weights. However, when it comes to training other parts of like biceps, chest and triceps they will automatically include weights in their training. Your abdominals are just like any other muscle and therefore you need resistance to strengthen and build them. Below are some proven and effective abdominal workouts that will deliver proper stimulation to your abs.Weighted Leg RaisesLie flat on your back with your hands under your butt. Wrap your feet around a light dumbbell and raise your feet above the ground. Start with 6 inches above the ground, then raise them higher to 12 – 16 inches from the ground and then slowly go back down. Repeat the cycle for 20 reps and gradually increase the weight after you have gotten used to it.Seated Ab MachineWhen you do this, remember not to swing all the way down, just about 30 degrees down to fully contract your abdominal muscles. Hold your position for 3 seconds then go back up. Repeat the cycle for 20 reps.Cable Rope CrunchesGrab the tricep rope, kneel down and bend downwards while contracting your abs. The concept is the same as crunches, only now you are on your knees instead of lying down. Do not swing your hips, just go down until you feel your abdominal muscles contract. Hold your position for 3 seconds then go back up. Repeat the cycle for 20 reps.Weighted CrunchesTake a dumbbell and let it lie on your upper chest or below your chin while performing crunches. You will notice you will have added more resistance to your workout. Experiment with the dumbbell weight till you can do about 10 to 15 reps. Keep in mind that for an effective abdominal workout, you need to have enough resistance.No matter which exercise you perform, you must always remember the weight / resistance factor. If you do not add resistance, you will not be able to increase the amount of lean muscle tissue in your abdominal area. Do not overwork your muscles; twice a week is sufficient for maximum results. The combination of cardiovascular workout, proper nutrition and weight training will guarantee you a six-pack abs in no time. You only need the determination and persistence to achieve it.

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